Batting gloves

ABSTRACT

Batting gloves include a first glove and a second glove each having a palm section, a wrist section, a plurality of finger sections and a thumb section. At least one connector is positioned along the first glove, and at least one complementary connector is positioned along the second glove. The connector and complementary connector functioning to connect the gloves together in a non-permanent manner. A plurality of markings are positioned along each of the first glove and the second glove at positions corresponding to the glove wearers big knuckles and middle knuckles. When the markings are aligned serially and the connector is engaged with the complementary connector, the users hands are positioned properly for swinging a bat with proper alignment throughout the swing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to gloves for use while playing sports, and more particularly to a pair of softball or baseball batting gloves.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Stick and ball sports such as baseball and softball are extremely popular in the United States and other countries. One of the most difficult tasks for new players to learn is how to properly grasp and swing a bat. Indeed, the relative position or placement of the bat in the hitter's hands is one of the most critical elements for successfully hitting the ball.

Unfortunately, most inexperienced and/or improperly instructed players do not grip the bat correctly. In some instances, the incorrect grip can cause the player to accidentally release the bat during the swing which could cause injury to players nearby. Alternatively, improper hand placement can injure the player's hand(s) upon hitting the ball due to the force of the bat striking the ball.

Although there are many commercially available batting gloves on the market, such devices are intended to improve the players' grip on the bat, which is helpful to keep the players hands from slipping or sliding along the bat during a swing. However, such devices do nothing to aid a player in learning and maintaining proper hand placement throughout a swing to prevent injuries in situations outlined above.

The present invention, directed to batting gloves differs from the conventional art in a number of aspects. The manner by which will become more apparent in the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to batting gloves. One embodiment of the present invention can include a first glove and a second glove each having a palm section, a wrist section, a plurality of finger sections and a thumb section. Any number of connectors can be positioned along the first glove at different locations, and any number of complementary connectors can be positioned along the second glove at different positions. Each of the connectors and complementary connectors can function to connect the gloves together in a non-permanent manner.

One embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality of markings that are positioned along each of the first glove and the second glove. One set of markings can be positioned at a location on each glove that corresponds to the location of the glove wearers big knuckles, and another set of markings can be positioned so as to identify the location of the middle knuckle on each of the glove wearers fingers.

When markings are aligned serially and the connectors and complementary connectors are engaged, a user can grasp and swing a baseball bat or softball bat with proper hand alignment throughout the swing.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the batting gloves in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the batting gloves in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the batting gloves in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a back perspective view of the batting gloves in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is another front perspective view of the batting gloves in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is yet another front perspective view of the batting gloves in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Definitions

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

As described throughout this document, the term “about”, “approximately” “substantially” and “generally” shall be used interchangeably to describe a feature, shape or measurement of a component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” “removably engaged” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described herein, the term “connector” and “complementary connector” includes two distinct elements that are capable of removably engaging each other. Several nonlimiting examples include opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e., Velcro®), attractively-oriented magnetic elements, attractively-oriented magnetic element and metallic material, flexible strips of interlocking projections with a slider (i.e., zipper), tethers, buckles, and compression fittings such as hooks, snaps and buttons, for example. Each illustrated connector and complementary connector can be permanently secured to the exterior or interior surface of the respective glove via a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, among others, for example.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of the innovative batting gloves 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top and bottom views of the innovative batting gloves 10 that include a left-handed glove 11, and a right-handed glove 21. As shown, each individual glove can include a unitary body member having a wrist section 12 and 22; a palm section 13 and 23; a back section 14 and 24; a plurality of finger sections 15-18 and 25-28; and a thumb section 19 and 29, respectively.

In the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the gloves can be constructed from leather or other such material that has a high grip and shock absorption qualities, whereas the top surface of the gloves can be constructed from a breathable material such as nylon or other synthetic fabrics, for example. Of course, the gloves are not limited to this arrangement of materials, as each glove can be constructed from any number and combination of different materials that are suitable for use in the manner described herein.

In one embodiment, the wrist sections of each glove can include an adjustable strap which can be selectively loosened and tightened to secure the glove onto the hand and wrist of a user. Moreover, optional air holes can be provided along the top surfaces of the thumb and fingers 15-19 and 25-29 of each glove.

In one embodiment, the gloves 11 and 21 can include a series of markings to indicate the location of where a glove users' big knuckles 11 a, 21 a and middle knuckles 11 b and 21 b, are located, respectively, on each hand. To this end, each of the markings 11 a/11 b and 21 a/21 b can include, comprise, or consist of any number of different colors, shapes, images, designs, materials, or texture of materials that can provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the location and orientation of the users knuckles within the gloves.

As will be described below, there are three commonly taught “proper” hand positions when gripping a baseball bat or softball bat. Each of these positions relies on the precise alignment of various knuckle groups on the hands. As such, the above noted locations of the markers is an important feature for allowing a user to visually locate and align their knuckles, and for a coach instructing the new player to confirm the batter is holding and swinging the bat properly.

In addition to proper alignment of the knuckles, the innovative glove includes functionality for removably securing the two gloves together to prevent the users' hands from separating or shifting along the bat during a swing. As such, each individual glove 11 and 21 can include a plurality of connectors and complementary connectors which can function together to removably secure portions of the gloves to each other when gripping and swinging a bat.

In one preferred embodiment, the left-handed glove 11 can include a first connector 31 a that is positioned along the outside edge of the index finger section 15 and the palm section 13 so as to extend approximately from the knuckle area 11 b to where the thumb section 19 meets the palm section 13. Additionally, a second connector 32 a can be positioned along the top surface of the thumb section 19.

In one preferred embodiment, the right-handed glove 21 can include a first complementary connector 31 b that is positioned along the outside edge of the pinky finger section 28 so as to extend approximately 80% of the entire length of the same. Additionally, a second complementary connector 32 b can be positioned along the outside edge of the palm section 23 and can extend from the edge of the wrist section 22 to a location approximately halfway to the pinky finger pocket 28. Such locations and sizes being suitable for allowing a user to grip a bat using the three most commonly taught grips described below.

In the preferred embodiment, connectors 31 a-31 b and 32 a-32 b can include opposing strips of hook and loop material that are permanently stitched onto the exterior of the gloves. Of course, the inventive concepts are not limited to the use of hook and loop material as any number of other types of connectors and complementary connectors such as attractively oriented magnetic elements, for example, can be positioned within or along the gloves so as to removably secure the gloves together in the manner described herein.

Although described or illustrated with regard to a particular shape, size or location along the gloves, this is for illustrative purposes only. To this end, other embodiments are contemplated wherein a different number, shape, size, type, or location of connector(s) and/or complementary connectors are provided to removably secure the gloves together in a manner that permits a user wearing the gloves to grip a baseball or softball bat in a specified manner.

Although described above with regard to connectors that removably join the gloves together, other embodiments are also contemplated. To this end, one such embodiment is contemplated wherein the connectors function to permanently join the gloves together so as to permanently align the gloves in a specific orientation. Such a feature may be beneficial for use as training gloves for new batters in a batting cage scenario who are attempting to hold, grip and swing a bat for the first time. In such an embodiment, the connectors can comprise permanent stitching or adhesives, for example, that allow the gloves to remain pliable while preventing the same from separating during use. Of course, other types of permanent connectors are also contemplated.

FIGS. 3A and 3B, illustrate one embodiment of the innovative batting gloves 10 in operation according to a first batting position wherein the big knuckles are aligned serially. As shown, the user can first align markings 11 a and 21 a, and can then grip the bat 5 in order to align and engage connectors 31 a/31 b and 32 a/32 b together. When so positioned, the users' big knuckles are aligned serially throughout the swing, and the gloves function to prevent the users' hands from moving and/or separating during a swing, along with providing the increased grip and impact resistance.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the innovative batting gloves 10 in operation according to a second batting position wherein the door knuckles are aligned serially. As shown, the user can first align markings 11 b and 21 b, and can then grip the bat 5 in order to align and engage connectors 31 a/31 b and 32 a/32 b together. When so positioned, the users' middle knuckles are aligned serially throughout the swing, and the gloves function to prevent the users' hands from moving and/or separating during a swing, along with providing the increased grip and impact resistance.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the innovative batting gloves 10 in operation according to a third batting position wherein the big knuckles of one hand are aligned serially with the middle knuckles of the other hand. As shown, the user can first align markings 21 a and 11 b, and can then grip the bat 5 in order to align and engage connectors 31 a/31 b and 32 a/32 b together. When so positioned, the knuckles are aligned serially throughout the swing, and the gloves function to prevent the users' hands from moving and/or separating during a swing, along with providing the increased grip and impact resistance.

Although illustrated with regard to a right-handed batter, this is for illustrative purposes only, as other embodiments are contemplated wherein the connectors described with regard to the left-hand glove 11 are positioned at the same locations on the right-handed glove 21 and vice versa, so as to provide the same functionality for left-handed batters where the left-hand glove 11 is positioned above the right-hand glove 21 when gripping a bat.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A pair of sports gloves, comprising: a first glove having a palm section, a wrist section, a plurality of finger sections and a thumb section; a second glove having a palm section, a wrist section, a plurality of finger sections and a thumb section; at least one connector that is positioned along the first glove; and at least one complementary connector that is positioned along the second glove, wherein the at least one connector is configured to removably engage the complementary connector.
 2. The gloves of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one connector and the at least one complementary connector comprise strips of hook and loop material.
 3. The gloves of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one connector and the at least one complementary connector are positioned along a respective glove so as to align the gloves in an orientation for holding a bat when joined together.
 4. The gloves of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of markings that are disposed along each of the first glove and the second glove.
 5. The gloves of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of markings include, at least one of a color, a design or a shape that is different from a surrounding area of the glove on which the marking is located.
 6. The gloves of claim 1, wherein the plurality of finger sections of the first glove includes an index finger section, and the at least one connector on the first glove is positioned along the index finger section.
 7. The gloves of claim 6, wherein the plurality of finger sections of the second glove includes a pinky finger section, and the at least one connector on the second glove is positioned along the pinky finger section.
 8. The gloves of claim 7, wherein in a connected orientation the first glove is positioned beneath the second glove, and the thumb sections of both gloves are extending outward at a parallel orientation to each other.
 9. The gloves of claim 7, wherein the first glove is a left handed glove, and the second glove is a right handed glove.
 10. The gloves of claim 7, wherein the first glove is a right handed glove, and the second glove is a left handed glove.
 11. The gloves of claim 1, wherein each of the first glove and the second glove are constructed from identical materials.
 12. The gloves of claim 11, wherein the palm section of the first glove and the palm section of the second glove are constructed from an impact resistive material.
 13. The gloves of claim 1, wherein the wrist section of the first glove and the wrist section of the second glove each include an adjustable strap. 